Congee

Location

Congee is little more than thin rice porridge, bland as milquetoast, yet it arouses strong feelings. Perhaps it is a reaction to the ingredients typically added to the dish, which can range from humble organ meats to bits of exquisite lobster. Congee, the restaurant, is not much to look at. But the food is fresh and vivid, with clear spicing and pure flavors. Congee's congee is outstanding. Try it with slivers of savory pork and bits of pungent preserved egg, or with black mushrooms and velvety slices of chicken breast, and a shot of hot sauce. If your soul does not cry out for congee, the extensive menu includes more than 200 dishes, with none better than deep-fried golden-skinned chicken, topped with plenty of chopped garlic and scallions. — Eric Asimov

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